Drug Use in America: Examining the Facts

by Scott Akins, Clayton J Mosher

This book provides a comprehensive, authoritative, and objective survey of drug use in America, paying special attention to examining the accuracy of widespread beliefs about trends in drug use and characteristics of drug users. This work is part of a series that uses evidence-based documentation to examine the veracity of claims and beliefs about high-profile issues in American culture and politics. Each book in the Contemporary Debates series is intended to puncture rather than perpetuate myths that diminish our understanding of important policies and positions, by providing needed context for misleading statements and claims and confirming or invalidating the accuracy of assertions. This particular volume examines beliefs, claims, and myths about drug use―both legally and illegally obtained and consumed―in America. Coverage encompasses all of the laws, policies, and controversies swirling around specific drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, opioids, and other prescription drugs. The volume also examines claims and beliefs concerning treatment programs, alleged racial disparities in sentencing for violations of drug laws, the health effects of drugs, and their prevalence of use by various demographic groups in America.

212 pages, Hardcover

Published January 31, 2020